Hurst sees a big future for Hammers

Sir Geoff Hurst believes West Ham's impending move into the Olympic Stadium could help turn them into the next Manchester City.

PUBLISHED: 18:55, Wed, Mar 13, 2013

Sir Geoff Hurst has backed West Ham to reach the very top [PA]

The Hammers appear to be on the brink of agreeing a deal to move into the £429million venue after co-chairman David Gold revealed earlier this month that discussions could conclude as early as Saturday.

While any switch would not take place until 2016, Hurst believes it could entice the sort of foreign investment that has catapulted Manchester City and Chelsea into Europe's elite.

The Hammers have been one of the sleeping giants of English football since the likes of Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking and Bobby Moore graced Upton Park in the 1960s and with a supporter base to match the likes of City and Chelsea, the 71-year-old thinks a new golden generation could be triggered.

"It's not beyond the realms of possibility if we go to the stadium and with the support we've got," he told Press Association Sport. "West Ham has a huge supporter base. If you could make a comparison to another club of a similar stature and I would say Manchester City is it.

"Look what has happened to them after they went to a new stadium.

"If you were a foreign investor looking to buy a football club then West Ham would be a similar contender in the new stadium.

"More so if you want to buy a London club rather than a team in Manchester.

"It would be absolutely unbelievable. That could happen.

"I think it has been great for Chelsea with (Roman) Abramovich and for Manchester City. It has been great for the game. Of course I'd be thrilled to bits if it happened to West Ham."